Staff
Abby Markoe
Executive Director
Abby co-founded SquashWise in 2007 and has served as Executive Director since 2008. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a steady commitment to advancing equity and access in squash and education. In 2018, she was awarded the Feron’s Wedgwood Sportsmanship Trophy from US Squash, and she is a 2019 recipient of the Nancy Cushman Impact Award from Maryland Squash. Abby graduated with a B.A. in History and Philosophy of Medicine from George Washington University, where she served as co-captain of the women’s squash team. She also has a Master’s in History of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University.
Doug Fireside
Deputy Director
Doug began his education career in 1992 and relocated to Baltimore two years later, joining the Baltimore City Public School system. During his tenure, he taught middle school, served as a school designer and literacy coach, and spent five years as the principal of New Song Academy. Doug earned his Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, with dual certification in educational technology and school leadership. He has raised three children in Baltimore, where he remains committed to improving outcomes for the City’s youth as the Deputy Director at SquashWise.
Zach Bradley
Program Director
Zach oversees our youth development program as well as school squash programs. He joined SquashWise as an AmeriCorps volunteer in 2012 and continued to work on our coaching team. He is a local squash professional with extensive experience coaching both youth and adults in the area. Zach graduated from Gilman and has a B.A. from Tufts University, where he played varsity squash.
David Cromwell
Community Squash Director
David oversees our community squash programs and provides coaching for players of all ages and levels. He has experience as an internationally-ranked squash professional and spent six years coaching college squash at Middlebury College. Growing up in the Baltimore area, he brings a deep love for the game and how it can contribute to our growth, both individually and as a community. David holds a B.A. from Middlebury College in Computer Science and is certified as a Personal Trainer through NASM.
Khristian Merrell
Finance and Operations Director
Khris oversees financial operations, office administration, and organizational efficiency. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and a Master’s in Finance from the University of Miami. With over 10 years of experience in accounting, payroll, and human resources, Khris brings a strategic approach to managing budgets, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance. He is committed to fostering a well-organized and productive workplace, while supporting the organization’s mission and goals.
Dominique Davis
Student Success Manager
Dominique facilitates college and career planning for 11th and 12th grade students in our youth development program and also advises SquashWise graduates, ages 18-25, in their postsecondary journeys. She is a former Student Life Counselor at the SEED School of Maryland and College Readiness Instructor at UMBC’s Year Up program.
Hamzah Bukhari
Squash Coach
Hamzah coaches our Middle School, JV, and Varsity teams at SquashWise. He is an internationally-ranked squash professional with experience teaching a variety of skill levels at local clinics, summer camps, and one-on-one lessons.
Emmanuel Belcher
Education Coach
Emmanuel facilitates educational enrichment activities for our middle school and 9th-10th grade students. He brings over a decade of experience working with youth. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, served as a Residential Coordinator at Upward Bound, and was a Student Life Counselor for the SEED School of Maryland.
Akil Muhammad
Operations Assistant
Akil, a proud SquashWise alumnus and graduate of Baltimore City College High School, has transitioned into a supportive role within the organization through the Maryland Corps Service Program. Akil assists with front desk responsibilities as well as facility operations.
Samuel Knipp
Operations and Development VISTA
Sam supports SquashWise’s continued growth as an Operations and Development VISTA. Sam graduated from Dickinson College with a B.A. in Political Science in 2023 and an M.A. in Disaster Management in 2025, where he also competed on the Varsity Squash team.